Waterproof portable security enclosure assembly

ABSTRACT

A portable security enclosure assembly is provided for use with a vehicle of the type having a surface. The enclosure includes a base and means for fixing the base to the vehicle surface. Means are provided for detachably mounting the enclosure to the base. The mounting means includes first and second rings pivotally mounted on the base surface for movement between an upright position and a non-upright position. The rings are spaced apart. The enclosure has first and second openings adapted to align with the rings, respectively, when the enclosure is situated on the base, such that the rings extend through the openings in the enclosure when the rings are in the upright position. A locking bar, longer than the distance between the rings, is adapted to be simultaneously received through the rings, so as to secure the enclosure to the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant claims priority on Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/932,331, filed May 29, 2007.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAMLISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to security enclosures and moreparticularly to a waterproof and portable security enclosure and baseretention system.

2. Description of Prior Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR1.97 and 1.98

Field agents employed by government agencies such as the FBI and theATF, or those employed in the private sector for SWAT teams and securityfirms, have long faced the challenge of securing and storing weaponry intheir transport vehicle while on assignment. Typically, heavy rifles andlight automatic weapons have been bagged and stowed in the rear of avehicle such as a large S W, necessitating vigilance on the part of anagent assigned to secure the vehicle. Optionally, all weaponry must beremoved and transported by the agents after exiting the vehicle,possibly compromising the agents' security and identities.

In addition, a merchant who transports sums of cash or preciouscommodities within his vehicle places himself and his cargo at risk. Thethreat of robbery of his unsecured valuables is a constant concern.

Contractors and home-improvement specialists employ heavy and bulkytools, typically locked within a van during off-hours. These tools aredesirable and readily stolen when the vehicle locks are defeated.

The aforesaid creates a dangerous situation for government agents,merchants, contractors, and the public. My invention presents aneffective solution to the problem.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore, a prime object of the present invention to provide awaterproof portable security enclosure assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a waterproofportable security enclosure assembly that can be detachably mounted to avehicle by means of a base retention system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a waterproofportable security enclosure assembly that is detachably mounted to avehicle using spaced, pivotally mounted rings which when in the uprightposition accept a steel bar.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a waterproofportable security enclosure assembly that is detachably mounted to avehicle by rings that extend through openings in the surface of theenclosure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a waterproofportable security enclosure assembly that is detachably mounted to avehicle by rings that extend through openings in the enclosure andwherein the openings have covers for use when the enclosure is removedfrom the vehicle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a waterproofportable security enclosure assembly that can be detachably mounted to avehicle in either a horizontal or a vertical position.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a waterproofportable security enclosure assembly that has a segmented or roll-upaccess door.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a waterproofportable security enclosure assembly that includes one or more rackmembers adapted to mount one or more firearm containment pods.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a waterproofportable security enclosure assembly that has a retractable handle andwheels for moving the enclosure when it is removed from the vehicle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a waterproofportable security enclosure assembly that has a bumper such that theenclosure can stand upright. The above objects are achieved by thepresent invention which includes the following aspects.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a portablesecurity enclosure assembly is provided for use with a vehicle of thetype having a surface. The enclosure includes a base and means forfixing the base to the vehicle surface. Means are provided fordetachably mounting the enclosure to the base. The mounting meansincludes first and second rings pivotally mounted on the base surfacefor movement between an upright position and a non-upright position. Therings are spaced apart. The enclosure has first and second openingsadapted to align with the rings, respectively, when the enclosure issituated on the base, such that the rings extend through the openings inthe enclosure when the rings are in the upright position. A locking bar,longer than the distance between the rings, is adapted to besimultaneously received through the rings, so as to secure the enclosureto the base.

The enclosure includes means for covering the openings in the enclosurewhen the enclosure is removed from the base.

The means for fixing the base to the vehicle surface take the form of aplurality of spaced bolts.

The enclosure includes first and second wheels mounted to one side ofthe enclosure and a handle mounted on another side of the enclosure. Thewheels and handle are situated on opposite sides of the enclosure.Preferably, the handle is retractable.

A bumper is mounted to the side of the enclosure with the wheels. Theenclosure is adapted to stand upright on the wheels and bumper when itis removed from the vehicle.

The enclosure also includes a rack member, a firearm containment pod andmeans for detachably mounting the pod on the rack member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a securityenclosure assembly is provided for use with a vehicle. The enclosureincludes first and second opposing surfaces. Means are provided foraffixing one of the enclosure surfaces to the vehicle. A door issituated in the other of the enclosure surfaces to permit access to theinterior of the enclosure. Means are provided for locking the door inthe closed position. A first rack member is mounted on and extends fromthe enclosure surface that is affixed to the vehicle and into theinterior of the enclosure. A firearm containment pod is provided, as ismeans for detachably mounting the pod to the first rack member.

The pod mounting means includes a pin and a pin-receiving recess.

The pod has an open end and a cover for the open end.

The enclosure also includes a second rack member, mounted on andextending from the enclosure surface affixed to the vehicle, at alocation spaced from the first rack member.

The enclosure also has a second means for detachably mounting the pod onthe second rack member. The second mounting means includes a pin and apin-receiving recess.

The enclosure has a second firearm containment pod. The second pod hasan open end and a cover for the open end.

The pod is adapted to hold a pistol.

The second pod is adapted to hold a rifle.

The enclosure further includes a pod adapted to hold medical supplies.

The door is segmented and may be a roll-up door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appears, thepresent invention relates to a waterproof and portable securityenclosure and base retention system as described in detail in thefollowing specification and recited in the annexed claims, takentogether with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer tolike parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective, partial cutaway view of a transport vehicle,containing the preferred embodiment of the portable enclosure therein;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the enclosure and baseplatform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 a is a sectional elevation view taken along line 2 a-2 a of FIG.2, showing the retention means of the base platform to the vehicle;

FIG. 3 is an elevation, partial cutaway view of the assembled enclosureand base platform shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the securement meanscontained within the interior;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the interior components andaccessories of the portable enclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the enclosure in its upright orientationwith handle deployed; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of the enclosure adjacent a wallmounted base platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The specification which follows, together with the accompanying drawing,discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should notbe construed as limiting the invention to the particular example shownand described, as those skilled in the art will understand that manyvariations based on my invention could be made which fall within thescope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 which is shown in partial cutaway. Theinterior compartment 12 of the vehicle is visible, along the floor pan14. Floor pan 14 is formed of sheet metal, and is typically covered byinsulation and carpet. Access to compartment 12 is generally achieved byopening rear doors 16 a and 16 b.

Visible within the compartment 12 is base platform 20, and portableenclosure 30. Enclosure body 32 is shown installed and affixed to theupper surface 22 of base 20. Enclosure body 32 includes lower surface 34which is in a face-to-face relation with upper surface 22 of base 20.

In FIG. 2, enclosure 30 is shown spaced from base 20, revealing thedetails of upper surface 22. As seen through the cutaway wall, lowermost surface 34 contains rectangular openings 36 a and 36 b, revealed bysliding closure means, cover panels 38 a and 38 b, out of alignment withopenings 36 a and 36 b. Openings 36 a and 36 b are dimensioned toreceive pivotal rings 24 a and 24 b, each of which is affixed to a pianohinge mounted to upper surface 22. As seen in this view, the rings areplaced in an upright position for insertion into the openings 36 a and36 b.

Enclosure 30 has a roll-up or segmented door 40 on top surface 42. It iscontemplated that the integrity of door 40 is not easily compromised,and that door 40 is lockable via mechanical or electronic means. Door 40may also be opened and closed via mechanized means, such as by a motordriven roller. It also is desirable that the interface between door 40and enclosure 30 be water-proofed, such as by the installation of arubber O-ring, which may bound the periphery of enclosure opening 44.This water-proofing provides buoyancy for enclosure 30, should theenclosure be utilized in a marine environment. Handle 46 is accessibleat rectangular opening 48 of front end 50 of enclosure 30. A pluralityof wheels 52 is disposed at rear end 54 of enclosure 30.

The interface between base 20 and floor pan 14 is shown in FIG. 2 a.Platform 20 contains a plurality of through bores 24. Bores 24 areplaced in alignment with apertures 18 of the floor pan, and bolts 26 areplaced through the apertures and secured with nuts and washers from theunderside of vehicle 10. Base 20 is now permanently affixed to thevehicle, and provides for a consistent and secure location for theinstallation of enclosure 30.

Turning now to FIG. 3, enclosure 30 is installed on base 20 withininterior compartment 12. Because of the inboard installation of wheels52, lower most surface 34 is in full contact with base 20, andupstanding rings 24 a and 24 b are visible through the cutaway wall. Acase-hardened steel bar 56 passes simultaneously through the rings tosecure enclosure 30 to base 20. An enclosure 33 is located at the baseof door 40, and contains means for securing the door in its closedposition, such as an electronic or mechanical lock.

The interior details of enclosure 30 are best seen in FIG. 4. Enclosure30 is shown as removed from vehicle 10, such as in a garage, commandcenter, arsenal, etc. Door 40 has been retracted within opening 44.Interior compartment 58 is visible, containing two rack members 60 a and60 b. Rack members are spaced apart at an optimum dimensional distance,as shown by dimension line “D”. A plurality of apertures 62 is containedon the top surfaces of the racks. The racks are permanently affixed tothe lower most surface 34 of enclosure 30 by any conventional means,such as sonic welding, riveting or the like. An optional third rackmight be installed, depending on the type and weight of the firearms tobe transported.

A long pod 64 is shown for containment of rifle “R”. A cover 64 a isshown at the open end of the pod, and a handle 64 b is centered on thetop surface of the pod. Pins 66 depend from the lower surface of thepod, and are dimensioned to fit into apertures 62 of racks 60 a and 60b. Pins may be tubular or solid members, and are frictionally retainedwithin the apertures. Alternate retention means may be contemplated,such as spring clips, mechanical locks, and the like.

A smaller pod 68 is also shown, containing pistol “P”. Similar to thelonger pod, a cover 68 a, a handle 68 b, and a pin 70 are included. Analternate pod 72 is also shown for storage of sundries such as medicalkits, ammunition magazines, handcuffs, and the like.

Depending on the quantity of firearms required for a specific operation,any open space within enclosure interior 58 can be filled withadditional gear and apparel such as vests, helmets, goggles, and thelike. Upon closing and locking of door 40, all requisite gear andfirearms is contained within enclosure 30 and is easily transported toand from vehicle 10, and selectively accessed at the discretion of theagents.

FIG. 5 shows the enclosure 30 removed from the vehicle and in itsupright position, in preparation for rolling on wheels 52. Handle 46 isdeployed for use by agent “A”, and an electronic locking meanscontaining a tactile keypad 74 is shown for securing of door 40. It isnoted that the height of the enclosure case, as seen at dimension line“Dl”, is dictated on a custom basis by the length of the firearms to becontained within. For example, an operation in which a shorter firearmsuch as a submachine gun is desired, a shorter enclosure with a longerhandle can be utilized. As is evident, this shorter shorter enclosurewith a longer handle can be utilized. As is evident, this shorterenclosure may still be installed on standard base 20 within the vehicle,as rings 24 a and 24 b are permitted to pass through the lower mostsurface of the shorter enclosure. A bumper 76 can be integrally moldedto enclosure 30, or attached via screws to insure stability of theenclosure in its upright position.

FIG. 6 shows mounting enclosure 30 to base 20 in a vertical position. Inthis situation, base 20 is mounted to vertical wall 80, which may be aboat bulkhead, an internal wall of a step van, or in a garage. Base 20includes hinge mounted shelf 22 a, which serves to support enclosure 30during installation onto base.

While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the presentinvention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it isobvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. Itis intended to cover all of those modifications and variations whichfall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by thefollowing claims.

1. A portable security enclosure assembly for use with a vehicle of thetype having a surface, said assembly comprising: a base, an enclosure,means for fixing said base to the vehicle surface, means for detachablymounting said enclosure to said base, said mounting means comprisingfirst and second rings pivotally mounted on said base surface formovement between an upright position and a non-upright position, saidrings being spaced apart a given distance; said enclosure having firstand second openings adapted to align with said rings, respectively, whensaid enclosure is situated on the base, such that said rings extendthrough said openings in said enclosure when said rings are in saidupright position; a locking bar longer than said given distance andadapted to be simultaneously received through said rings, so as tosecure said enclosure to said base; and closure means for covering saidopenings in said enclosure when said enclosure is removed from saidbase.
 2. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said means for fixing saidbase to the vehicle surface comprises a plurality of spaced bolts. 3.The enclosure of claim 1 further comprising first and second wheelsmounted to one side of said enclosure.
 4. The enclosure of claim 3further comprising a handle mounted on another side of said enclosure.5. The enclosure of claim 4 wherein said wheels and said handle aresituated on opposite sides of said enclosure.
 6. The enclosure of claim4 wherein said handle is retractable.
 7. The enclosure of claim 5wherein said enclosure is adapted to stand upright on said wheels whensaid enclosure is removed from the vehicle.
 8. The enclosure of claim 3further comprising a bumper mounted to said one side of said enclosure.9. The enclosure of claim 1 further comprising a rack member, a firearmcontainment pod and means for detachably mounting said pod on said rackmember.
 10. A security enclosure assembly for use with a vehicle, saidenclosure comprising: first and second opposing surfaces, means foraffixing one of said enclosure surfaces to the vehicle, said meanscomprising first and second rings pivotally mounted on said base surfacefor movement between an upright position and a non-upright position,said rings being spaced apart a given distance; said enclosure havingfirst and second openings adapted to align with said rings,respectively, such that said rings extend through said openings in saidenclosure when said rings are in said upright position; and a lockingbar longer than said given distance and adapted to be simultaneouslyreceived through said rings, so as to secure said enclosure to saidvehicle; a door in said other of said enclosure surfaces to permitaccess to the interior of said enclosure; closure means for coveringsaid openings in said enclosure when said enclosure is removed from saidbase; means for locking said door in the closed position; a first rackmember mounted on and extending from said one enclosure surface into theinterior of said enclosure; a firearm containment pod; and means fordetachably mounting said pod to said first rack member.
 11. Theenclosure of claim 10 wherein said pod mounting means comprises a pinand a pin-receiving recess.
 12. The enclosure of claim 10 wherein saidpod has an open end and further comprising a cover for said open end.13. The enclosure of claim 10 further comprising a second rack member,mounted on and extending from said one enclosure surface, at a locationspaced from said first rack member.
 14. The enclosure of claim 13further comprising second means for detachably mounting said pod on saidsecond rack member.
 15. The enclosure of claim 14 wherein said secondmounting means comprises a pin and a pin-receiving recess.
 16. Theenclosure of claim 10 further comprising a second firearm containmentpod, wherein said second pod has an open end and a cover for said openend.
 17. The enclosure of claim 10 wherein said pod is adapted to hold apistol.
 18. The enclosure of claim 16 wherein said second pod is adaptedto hold a rifle.
 19. The enclosure of claim 10 further comprising a podadapted to hold medical supplies.
 20. The enclosure of claim 10 whereinsaid door is segmented.
 21. The enclosure of claim 10 wherein said dooris a roll-up door.